George Washington Test

Although I’m sure the foggy lense of history obscures big faults, it is generally agreed that George Washington could have been President for pretty much as long as he liked. Instead he desired to leave after one term, and was cajoled into serving two. And while I find myself far more to the Jeffersonian wing of democracy, to me, Washington epitomizes the idea of political office holding as service, not career or end goal.

So when I evaluate candidates, I use what I call the “George Washington Test”. Or, What Would George Do (WWGD). This may seem simple, or naïve, or un-modern, but if you try it you will find it very illuminating, or perhaps, clarifying.

So, for instance, would George serve in office for decades?

Would George be a lobbyist?

Would George advocate taking on loads of debt?

Would George permit unelected bureaucrats to print endless amounts of money?

Would George add new spending while we are racking up debt?

Would George support laws that gave the Federal government control over minute personal or local matters?

Would George support the Federal government mandating candle height in homes (or light switches today)?

Only 7 people will serve Utah in the House, Senate, or as Governor. We draw those seven from a population of 2.7 million. I see no reason why there can’t be 7 people of George’s caliber. People who view public office as service, not opportunity.

My job as 2012 State Delegate from Utah SG35 is to find 3 such people. Wish me luck.

2 Replies to “George Washington Test”

You make a fine point regarding George Washington’s character and leadership. His personal writings reveal a deep respect for the Roman leader Cincinnatus who was elected “Dictator” twice by the roman senate only to resign his position of absolute power immediately once the crisis had been averted.

I highly reccomend two books that describe this aspect of Washington’s personality: “Revolutionary Characters” by Gordon S. Wood and “His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis. He served and led with humility and devotion to his people and they loved him for it.

Sadly, those that desired power out of less noble motives where insanely jealous of his standing with the people. They used every available tactic to userp that standing in the court of public opinion, even to the point of maneuvering his friends against him (Jefferson & Monroe).

We could certainly use a man like Washington today. No doubt they are out there. Perhaps they’re hesitant to put their families through the meat-grinder that our media has become…

I think most good candidates realize the risk/.truth about taking office. You are either a sell out or a dead man, ask Lincoln and Kennedy, that’s what happens when you say NO to the Federal Reserve who at this moment is our greatest, no only but greatest threat.

Forget repubs or democrats, that’s just a very fancy name for puppets, we need to go after the puppet masters and though toppling the Vatican would be the best place to start, for now I’d be happy to see the Federal Reserve thrown out of this country and those board members immediately thrown behind bars until we can decide a more apropos fate!!!